FEMISS is the only Feminist group on the Ole Miss campus. While the name is short for Feminine Empowerment at the University of Mississippi, its true goal is to help give all people an equal voice, regardless of race, gender, or sexual preference. The group colonized in January after being contacted by their national organization, called the Feminist Majority Foundation. Although it is new, the organization has quickly gained a following. It started with 5 students, but now has one hundred that have shown interest and gotten involved. The group will create its first official roster of members in the fall.
The group hosted its first event on April 27th, called ‘Cabaret Night.’ Cabaret Night served as a multi-purpose function. It had entertainment, where those interested in FEMISS could learn more about the organization, while also raising money for the Violence Prevention Office on campus. They chose to donate the proceeds in honor of April being Sexual Assault Awareness month. The organization works closely with other equality organizations at the University such as the Sarah Isom Center and Rebels Against Sexual Assault.
The group’s next event will be to walk in Oxford’s first Pride Parade on Saturday, May 7th.
Lauren Layton has more on FEMISS and Cabaret Night in the video below:
